Raw video captures part of Westlake melee over slain immigrant

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Raw video posted on YouTube captures part of a late-night protest (along with the observer/videographer's occasional expletive) at the Los Angeles Police Department's Rampart Division station last night, yet another night of protests over the police shooting of a Guatelaman day laborer on Sunday. Last night's protest, which began with a march to the station, ended violently with trash cans set on fire in the city's Westlake district and rocks, bottles and eggs thrown at officers. Non-lethal projectiles were fired into the crowd. At least 22 people were arrested and at least one person injured, a man on a bicycle who fell and struck his head. 89.3 KPCC, the Los Angeles Times and several other news outlets reported on the melee, as did some local blogs.

The protest began as a community response to the shooting death of Manuel Jamines, a 37-year-old immigrant from Guatemala who was shot by an LAPD officer while allegedly wielding a switchblade and refusing to drop it. He is believed to have been been drinking, though friends and relatives, who said that Jamines had a wife and children in Guatemala, said that he was not violent. The department has identified the officers involved and promises to investigate the shooting.

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In Southern California, generations of immigrants are creating an evolving definition of "American." Multi-American is your source for news, conversation and insight on this emerging regional and national identity.